Have your own yard sale on Facebook!

Earlier this year Facebook announced that new and improved features in “For Sale” groups would make selling unwanted second hand items a total breeze!

Have you ever tried to sell something on eBay or Gumtree, but you had absolutely no luck getting rid of it? Well, for some Facebook users, you’re in luck! Facebook is making it so much easier to get rid of those items that are just taking up space in your garage or spare room.

The social network is expanding its search tool and adding category filters that include Appliances, Event Tickets, Household Items, Mobile Phones, Real Estate, Rentals and so much more. 

If you belong to a “For Sale” group, or something similar, the new selling feature will appear next to the “Write Post” button. Apparently it is just like selling something on eBay! You will need to share a description of what you are selling, upload some pictures, and add pick up/ delivery options. Once you post the item for sale, other Facebook users can comment with offers. eBay better watch out, they've got some serious competition now, and it’s highly probable that your items will sell way faster on Facebook!

If you are selling something you can mark your post as Available or Sold, plus you can view items that you have previously sold. AND any transaction made through a Facebook group is between the buyer and seller.

The main problem with the old system is that even requests for information and any other comments make the old post automatically jump to the top of the group’s page – this overshadows new listings. It’s also quite frustrating for members who may want to buy items, but need to know if the item is nearby or not, or if it’s available for pick-up, not delivery.

Well, the new sell feature definitely adds more structure to “For Sale” groups on Facebook, but these groups still need a number of improvements. Facebook hasn't yet made it easier for buyers to actually locate items of interest on mobiles. In fact, doing a search across a group, like for a lounge suit or a microwave, isn't possible from Facebook's mobile app – its only available on the web.

Over the next few months, Facebook will continue to introduce new features to make it easier for users to help people in the selling community, so we’ll be seeing some improvements pretty soon!

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Written By: Christine Romans
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town